Jan: Texas Jam was a famous music festival in the late '70s, which featured Ted Nugent, Aerosmith and a whole load of dreadful arena-rock bands of the day. As they say, "like punk never happened".
Anonymous said…
Texas Jam was the cousin to Cal Jam, which had a similar lineup. part of Cal Jam was televised when I was about ten or so. I saw some Ted Nugent and some Mahogany Rush, and I remember thinking that rock music m must really suck.
Anonymous said…
That is AWESOME! Plus, love the Dio/Sabbath comment posted already. Beautiful.
BTW: that tombstone becomes exhibit A in my ongoing case against the Police, proving that they were just another tired, lame, and oh-so-boring stadium act (need I really say more?).
I am actually shocked by the omission of Journey given his apparent affection for really BAD Bay Area rock (Eddie Money, Jefferson Starship, Night Ranger, Sammy Hagar).
John, I find that awful music doesn't get me all hot 'n' bothered like it used to (most of the time I can laugh at it), though I'd make an exception for the Police, too. Truly one of the most fuckawful bands of all time, woeful in every possible way, from the candy-assed cod reggae right on through to the arena-rock-cum-faux-New-Wave muck which WAS their sound. They tour here early next year. Somemone should give Al Queda the co-ordinates and blueprint to the venue.
So you all think all those bands suck? Sure, the guy displays a certain taste no doubt influenced by certain marketing, and certain times. And of course, it's a relatively foolish move to use a gravestone to advertise for millionaires who don't give a fuck. But, he's dead, and likely nothing but food for worms. And here we are, a bunch of guys, laughing at him. And really, there's not one band he likes that you like? Buncha nerdy cool guys, sure.
Relax? When I'm dead and Harv. Guy saw a lot of shows. Had fun. And I'm not gonna get into all the specifics, but yeah, off the top of my head and his headstone: Queen and Cheap Trick.
If you and yr readers think they suck, at very least as opposed to maybe you just not liking them, you're just a knee-jerk reactionary hardcore kid turned hip record collector. Maybe you should reference Carducci's tome and check his current wisdom to make sure.
Anonymous said…
Hey Noisejoke: please don't miss the appreciation and affection inherent in the laughter. Yeah, I don't like those bands but, man, do I love Harv's passion for music, even if its for BAD music (IMHO). Believe you me, I salute the man and am happy to see he got such pleasure out of life and rock and roll. Any fan(atic) plays the game of "my music is better than your's" (it's part of the fun). I'm confidant that ole Harv would appreciate that and would take it in the spirit it is meant. So, yeah, I am chuckling some at him, but at the same time, I am also saying "rock on, man, rock on"!
Believe me guys, I get it. I'm 43 from NY. I grew up surrounded by this shit, not to mention the Dead (some good songs, a couple good sounds) and the Doors (ugh). But after a while, the easy yucks aren't worth the trouble. 8 Eyed Spy and Flipper are even more magical to me 16 years later. But, that doesn't mean I can't bathe in the sublime joys of Queen or Cheap Trick or something else that sometimes didn't suck (Aerosmith "Rocks" anybody?). I'm just saying this shit's too easy. Why not talk about how this guy liked Maiden AND Elton John - 2 acts that I find worthy at various points in there careers, but in general a certain large population wouldn't have sucked on teats of both.
My tag's Noisejoke: I'm laffin, I'm laffin. (But, just a pissed off musician.)
I suspected I knew who Noiejoke AKA "DR" was, and in fact we've corresponded before (and I own and love a few records he played on!!). Nothing against people who happen to dig cheeseball music: many of my good friends can claim great fandom to the likes of Yes, Supertramp, Queen, etc. Doesn't mean I have to like 'em. I've been rockin' out to a fair bit of Steely Dan and West Coast coke 'n' hot tubs-period Fleetwood Mac myself, but opinions are like assholes: we've all got 'em. I'd still like to see Sting strung up and hung in the town square.
Anonymous said…
That post by Harv's bud certainly puts him in a whole new light. He may have had shitty taste in music, but fuck, if he doesn't sound like a hell of a fun guy to hang out with. Same goes for the writer. Some of that stuff is priceless.
I tip my hat to a man who not only spent a great deal of his life listening to godawful music, but had the temerity to brag about it on his tombstone.
Comments
And who the hell are Texas Jam?
- Jan
BTW: that tombstone becomes exhibit A in my ongoing case against the Police, proving that they were just another tired, lame, and oh-so-boring stadium act (need I really say more?).
I am actually shocked by the omission of Journey given his apparent affection for really BAD Bay Area rock (Eddie Money, Jefferson Starship, Night Ranger, Sammy Hagar).
Anyway, I love it. Thanks.
If you and yr readers think they suck, at very least as opposed to maybe you just not liking them, you're just a knee-jerk reactionary hardcore kid turned hip record collector. Maybe you should reference Carducci's tome and check his current wisdom to make sure.
My tag's Noisejoke: I'm laffin, I'm laffin. (But, just a pissed off musician.)
xo, dr
Some background on a life well lived.